Well, finally decided on diovan and took my first dose tonight. Feels like a kind of failure. I've had a sense it was coming for some time. Despite my best efforts at exercise, and moderate efforts at diet, I am surrendering to the drugs. I think the hardest thing it that taking the drug really solidifies the notion that I have the condition (a word I prefer to disease). Does anyone know when this stufff is supposed to create an effect? Also, noticed that diovan has some form of heart stimulant in it. Is that problematic if you don't have heart disease?

Thanks for listening

Hiramtraveler-
Most people will see a drop in BP within a week. Although sometimes it might take a couple of weeks to see the full effect.

Don't know where you read that Diovan has some form of heart stimulant in it. Wrong!

Angiotensin 2 is a chemical in your body that constricts blood vessels. Too much and our BP climbs.
Rather than LOWERING levels of angiotensin II (as ACE inhibitors do) to bring down BP, Diovan and other drugs in same class reduce blood pressure by BLOCKING the vasoconstricting effects of angiotensin II so blood flows more smoothly through the vessels.

(Note to Zip2play: Correct me if I'm wrong... You're the true pharmacokinetic expert here!)

Let us know how it goes.

zuzu xxx